Hotter Shoes

Hotter Shoes are a new brand to me, so when the opportunity arose to try a pair out, I had a look around the website. Almost every review of them tells of how comfortable they are, so I had to give them a go!

Hotter Shoes

I have back problems, almost every day I’m in pain and while it’s manageable it’s annoying. I need shoes which give me good support. Throughout this year I’ve been wearing running shoes constantly – mainly through being late for the train every morning or getting to Clapham Junction from Wandsworth in eight minutes – so for running I need the support. Outside of that, I need shoes I can walk around in and feel comfortable which is where Hotter Shoes come in.

The Hotter Shoes website has a handy sizing guide which you print out and measure. I did it with help from a workmate – and I seem to be around a size six! I generally buy size 8 shoes, and when I’ve asked in shoe shops have been told “just try what fits” – I haven’t been properly measured in years, so that was a big surprise. In fact, I was so unsure about this lower size I ordered a seven just in case, and opted for the Leanne design. They’re extremely comfortable – and my back feels supported and comfortable which is the most important thing I need.

As I’m constantly running for trains, I should have chosen more appropriate shoes – so I found myself wearing these for daily tasks, like school pickup when I’m not rushing as much. I’ve also worn them when we’ve been out and about outside, and have found them extremely comfortable. The threading areas around the laces are also well stitched; many’s the time I’ve had that part come away, these are nice and strong.

Hotter Shoes

I like that the shoes have removable insoles – did you know that to keep shoes fresh and non-stinky, that if you remove the insoles and let them air, then your smelly shoe problem is unlikely to happen?

The thing I’m the most happy about with Hotter Shoes is knowing I followed the measuring guides and found a pair of shoes which fit me comfortably. I’ve also found a local shoe shop that stocks them and I know I’ll be buying more – and I’ll be investigating the pairs which are better suited to running – for trains, that is – I’m not quite ready for Couch to 5K!

If comfort is your thing, head over to Hotter Shoes – there’s a good choice! Don’t be afraid to order online – using the measuring guide you’ll almost definitely find your shoes fit you so much better than some of your existing ones!

You can follow Hotter Shoes on Facebook and Twitter, keep an eye out for their sale items. You spend a little more but for the comfort it’s worth it. Look out for them in your local shoe shops too!

We were sent a pair of shoes for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own!

My 1st Years – 100% Suede Sheepskin Booties

My 1st years is a company that, having seen a gap in the market, specialises in personalised baby gifts. They offer high quality items that would make the perfect gift or keepsake.

My 1st years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was very excited at the prospect of reviewing this item. I had never thought about getting anything personalised for Jacob previously, making these booties very special. When I’d realised I had received a recorded delivery, I raced to open the packaging and was not disappointed. Inside was a beautiful blue box, which I thought was a really nice touch. All items ordered from this company will be packaged in such a way. It might be a bit sad to say but I fully intend to keep this box for Jacobs special things.

The boots themselves are gorgeous. The materials that My 1st Years uses are top notch, the insides soft and incredibly comfortable. It is lovely to have something that is just for Jacob.

My 1st years 2My 1st years 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fit you ask? Well unfortunately that was the problem. The boots come in 2 sizes, 3-12 months and 12-24 months… and that’s it. At 18 months Jacob is a size 5 which, from what I gather from nosing at other children’s shoe sizes, is a little above average. When it came to putting the boot onto to Jacobs foot the boot came up small, not much but obviously I wasn’t willing to force it on. I would guess the boot is a size 4. It’s annoying as it’s such a nice product and I was very excited about Jacob wearing them. I refuse to give them away as they are so beautiful so I’ve decided to keep them in case we have another child (though I won’t be taking my husbands suggestion of also calling our next one Jacob!).

In essence this is a lovely company, with well thought out products and is well worth a look, especially as the range is so good. My only advice, to avoid disappointment, is to call to check sizes, if in any doubt.

Orders over £30 qualify for free standard delivery in the UK, for those under £30 delivery is £3 for 1st class and £5 for recorded. The boots tested cost £30, though other colours come in at £25. Personalisation on all products is free.

I was sent this item for the purpose of review, all opinions are my own